AQP-WATER SECTOR UPGRADE SOUTHERN ITALY

Financing of the promoter's investments in the water and wastewater network of Puglia, Campania and Basilicata over the 2017-2023 period

The project is driven by the need to ensure compliance with the EU and national environmental legislation. The investments will deliver substantial health advantages and environmental quality improvements in the form of a more rational use of water resources, higher ecological quality of surface and groundwater resources, and increased service coverage and quality. Moreover, the project will contribute to climate change adaption and mitigation in a region increasingly affected by droughts and water scarcity. Finally, investments will contribute to stimulate economic growth and employment in less-developed regions of Italy.

The investments in the water and wastewater sector are expected to have positive net environmental and social impact, considering their focus on compliance and resource efficiency. Where and if applicable, the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2014/52/EU, amending Directive 2011/92/EU, the Habitats Directive (92/43/EC) and the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) will be respected and the Bank will publish the full text of the relevant EIAs on its website.

The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project will be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Directive 2014/25/EU and Directive 92/13/EEC) as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the EU, as and where required.